Gujarat is the Smart Choice for Establishing Renewable Energy Technology: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
Gujarat Energy Minister, Kanubhai Desai, Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr Hasmukh Adhia, were present at the State session, along with CM Bhupendra Patel
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, September 17, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel today launched the 'Mission 100 GW of Renewable Energy in Gujarat' and unveiled the 'Gujarat Energy Vision 2047' during the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Summit and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024). On this occasion, four significant MoUs were signed in the Chief Minister's presence. These included an MoU worth Rs5,000 crore between PGCIL and the Gujarat Government, Rs59,000 crore between GSEC and GUVNL, Rs85,000 crore between Avaada Energy and GPCL, and Rs30,000 crore between Juniper Green Energy and GEDA.
Addressing the Gujarat session on the second day of the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Summit and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024), Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel said that Gujarat, as the growth engine of the nation's development, a global destination, and serving as a gateway to the future, is leading the renewable energy sector by utilizing its abundant resources. The Chief Minister said that Gujarat leads the nation in wind and solar energy production, with renewable energy accounting for 54 per cent of the state's installed capacity, exceeding 50,000 MW. The Chief Minister participated in the State Session of the three-day RE Summit, which focused on 'Energy Transition Towards 100 GW Renewable Energy in Gujarat.' Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Gujarat Energy Minister, Shri Kanubhai Desai, former Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr. Erik Solheim, Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar, and Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr Hasmukh Adhia, were also present at the session.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has introduced new dimensions of energy security and green energy in Gujarat by reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting environmental protection. During his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the country’s first solar park was established in Charanka, and now Gujarat also proudly features India's first solar village, Modhera. The CM mentioned Kutch's 37 GW hybrid energy park, four semiconductor plants, and Gujarat’s sector-specific policies, especially the renewable energy and green hydrogen policies, encouraging stakeholders at the RE Summit to study and take advantage of these initiatives. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel mentioned that aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister, Gujarat is progressing to become a leader in solar panel and wind turbine manufacturing. The CM conveyed faith that the summit would play a key role in achieving self-reliance in renewable energy while focusing on the three goals of energy security, clean energy, and net zero.
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, applauded and thanked the entire State Government, including the Chief Minister, for the successful organization of the RE INVEST Summit. He stated that the world recognizes Gujarat as a progressive state with influence in every field. Gujarat has been a pioneer in the renewable energy sector for decades and was the first to implement a renewable energy policy. Referring to the Prime Minister’s remarks, he observed that Gujarat, the state of the White Revolution and Sweet Revolution, has now sparked a Revolution in Renewable Energy. Gujarat is the first state globally to establish a dedicated department for climate change. With 300 days of abundant sunshine annually, the state has vast potential to enhance its solar energy capacity. Furthermore, Gujarat's extensive coastline provides significant opportunities for wind energy. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and current Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is effectively harnessing these resources to their fullest potential.
The Union Minister noted that Gujarat is an ideal location for renewable energy technology, accounting for approximately 53% of India's solar generation capacity. Through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 3.5 lakh consumers have installed rooftop solar systems, with 50% of these installations already completed. Gujarat has been allocated ₹4,490 crore for clean energy initiatives, which the state has utilized effectively. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that Gujarat aims to achieve 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The state has set a high standard with its rooftop solar installations, and other states should look to Gujarat's model and offer similar policy support. The minister declared that Gujarat is a true pride of India.
Gujarat Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar pointed out that India is rapidly advancing in renewable energy adoption across all sectors. Hosting RE-INVEST 2024 during these transitioning times is a significant honour for Gujarat. The state leads the nation in rooftop solar installations and wind power generation and ranks second in solar energy production. Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, noted that Gujarat is emerging as a model state in renewable energy. This makes it the perfect venue for a prominent event like RE-INVEST.
Shri S.J. Haider, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, Gujarat, welcomed everyone and provided detailed insights into Gujarat's role in the country’s energy transition. Dr Jayanti Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department; Shri Kamal Dayani, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department; Smt. Mamata Verma, Principal Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department; Shri Jai Prakash Shivahare, Managing Director of GUVNL; and Shri Arun Mahesh Babu, Managing Director of UGVCL, along with other leaders in the field of renewable energy from various states, were present.
